Height Adjustable Work Surface

ABSTRACT

A height adjustable work surface is provided, which includes an L-shaped frame supporting a cantilevered platform adapted to support computer and work space items thereon. The frame includes an upstanding rail portion and a horizontal base support, whereby the rail portion slidably supports a work surface platform above the base support. The rail portion and base support are U-shaped members, whereby a first and second rail is provided to support the work space platform. Cam locks are provided to lockably secure the platform in a given position, whereby the platform will not freely slide until unlocked and will support load thereon. An internal spring mechanism biases the platform to reduce lifting load requirements during adjustment of the platform. Overall, the device provides a means to adjust the elevation of work surface for a seated or standing user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/768,928 filed on Feb. 25, 2013, entitled “Ergonomic AdjustableDesktop.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to desks and office furniture items. Morespecifically, the present invention pertains to a new and novel desktopsurface that can be raised and lowered from a work surface, allowing thekeyboard and monitor height to be adjusted from the work surface forimproved ergonomics.

Many jobs in the modern economy require an individual to spend much oftheir day in a seated position and in front of a computer. The computerimproves worker productivity, allows for rapid communication betweendistant parties, and facilitates the efficient creation of data or aplatform for analyzing the same without requiring the user to engage inmuch physical exertion. With this improvement in productivity, however,comes with it the fact that the common computer user is sedentary and ina static body position for long periods of time. This positioning of thebody and inactivity may not be ideal for the human body, and can lead tophysical injuries over time.

Work place ergonomics specialists and occupational health professionalsanalyze these types of work place environments and have developed manysolutions for alleviating physical pain and for preventing common workplace injuries related to office employees. These solutions includeergonomic furniture items such as specialized chairs and desks, as wellas ergonomic computer equipment such as adjustable computer stands andshaped keyboards that prevent wrist injuries. These devices are variedin the art and relate to a means of adjusting the work environment orpositioning the user such that physical injuries are prevented. Theseinjuries most often include some form of back injury, wrist or shoulderinjury, neck soreness or eyesight issues.

The typical workday for many people requires that they sit at a desk,remaining seated for an extended period of time. This can decrease bloodflow to extremities and cause soreness throughout the day. Over time,chronic problems, particularly in the back, can develop. In order topromote increased blood flow or stretch, many people leave their deskand take a short break. Wellness programs and workplace awarenesscampaigns exist for addressing these office maladies, however the mostdirect means of combating long term office injuries is furniture andcomputer peripherals that position the user in the most ergonomic andhealthy body posture.

The present invention describes a height adjustable computer stand thatallows a user to elevate a computer monitor and peripheral items above awork surface, thereby improving the positioning thereof with respect tothe user's seated or standing position. The device comprises an L-shapedframe having an upstanding rail and a base support member. Cantileveredfrom the upstanding rail is a horizontal platform that is adapted tosupport the load of a personal computer and office articles. Theplatform is slidably positioned along the rail and lockable theretousing a locking means. Overall, the device allows a user to elevatetheir work surface or position the same such that the user can maintainan optimum arm, back, and eye level, or alternatively accommodate astanding user.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to worksurfaces and adjustable furniture. These include devices that have beenpatented and published in patent application publications. The followingis a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure,which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting anddifferentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and furtherhighlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device in the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,756 to Watson,which discloses a desk assembly having an adjustably-supported computerkeyboard and monitor platform that can be adjusted to various heightswith respect to the rest of the desk surface. The platforms areadjustable by way of a motor and associated motor bracket and threadedrod assemblies attached to the platform for controlling the platformheight by way of electric motor action. In this way, the user can raiseand lower the platforms with respect to the desk without physical input.The Watson device, while offering a means of adjusting the verticalposition of a keyboard and monitor, discloses an assembly that functionsin connection with a desk furniture item and is not suited for beingutilized on any generic support surface, as contemplated herein.

Another device is U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,148 to Hodge, which discloses aheight adjustable support for desk top computer equipment, wherein acounterbalance mechanism is provided to assist with lifting and loweringthe equipment. A drive shaft and a first and second energy storagedevice are utilized to provide a means of easily changing the height ofa work surface supporting desk top equipment for the user. A frictionalbrake mechanism is also disclosed for controlling the work surfaceposition during adjustment. While providing a counterbalance mechanismfor a work surface lift, the Hodge device fails to contemplate theassembly of the present invention, which includes a simple,spring-biased platform for supporting work space equipment andperipherals.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,961 to Johnson discloses a height-adjustable workstand support having a pair of scissor lifts spaced apart from below thework surface for lifting or lowering its position with respect thereto.The pair of scissor lifts is synchronized and lifts a work surface abovethe base of the assembly by way of a threaded rod adjustment of thescissor lifts. While providing a means of lifting a surface, the Johnsondevice differs in functional elements and structure with respect to thepresent invention.

Finally, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0248263 to Grotenhuisdiscloses a computer work desk that includes an upstanding mount havinga pair of legs for support. Slidably positioned along the mount is akeyboard and mouse platform, which can further be tilted from the mountfor improved ergonomics. Further disclosed are a self-levelingmechanism, an assisted adjustment system, and a braking controlmechanism for controlling and repositioning the keyboard tray of theassembly. The Grotenhuis includes a complicated array of mechanical andelectrical assemblies for the purposes of supporting a tray and movingit along a vertical mount. The present invention contemplates a purelymechanical device with an upstanding rail and locking mechanism forrepositioning the work space platform of the assembly.

The present invention discloses a new and novel office furniture articlethat is supported by an existing work surface and provides a means toelevate a user's computer and work area. The device is lockable andadjustable to accommodate both a seated and standing user, wherein thedevice is aimed at reducing work place injuries and improving officeergonomics. It is submitted that the present invention is substantiallydivergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it isclear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existingadjustable work surface devices. In this regard the instant inventionsubstantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofoffice furniture articles now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new adjustable work surface device that can beutilized for providing convenience for the user when supporting acomputer and desk articles in an elevated position for improved userergonomics.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved adjustable work surface device that has all of the advantagesof the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustablework surface device that is deployable from an existing work surface,whereby no installation or modification thereof is required prior todeployment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable worksurface device that can support an office computer and its peripheralitems, common work place items, and the user bearing down on the devicewithout risk of collapsing the device during use.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustablework surface device that is securely lockable in a given position withrespect to the underlying work area and provides an assisted means ofadjustment that requires low levels of input from the user duringchanges in position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable worksurface device that is of simple construction and offers a single degreeof freedom, wherein the assembly can be readily fabricated frommaterials that permit relative economy that are commensurate withdurability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the present invention, wherein itswork surface platform is in its most elevated position.

FIG. 3 shows view of the work surface platform from an undersideperspective, wherein the preferred locking means is illustrated.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the platform tongue within the rail ofthe frame upper portion when in a locked position.

FIG. 5 shows another view of the work surface platform from an undersideperspective, wherein a second contemplated locking means is illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the adjustable work surface device. For the purposes ofpresenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, thepreferred embodiment will be discussed as used for elevating a work areafor a seated or standing user in an office environment, wherein improvedergonomics and a reduced likelihood of injury is achieved. The figuresare intended for representative purposes only and should not beconsidered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of theadjustable work surface of the present invention. The device comprisesan L-shaped frame having an upper frame portion 11 and a lower frameportion 21. The upper frame portion 11 comprises a U-shaped assemblyhaving a first and second upright member 12 connecting to an upper,horizontal member 13 that form an inverted “U”. The lower frame portion21 comprises a substantially rectangular frame having side members 22that are adapted to provide a widened base having sufficient weight tosupport the load of the frame and any anticipated working loads withouttipping forward or rearward. Along the base of the upper frame portion11, the two frame portions are secured together to establish the overallL-shaped frame configuration that acts as a singular assembly whenlifted and transported.

Along the upright members 12 of the upper frame portion 11 is a firstand second rail 14. The rail 14 is an elongated slot that accepts aprotruding tongue from the horizontal work space platform 31 extendingtherefrom. The work space platform 31 is connected to both rails 14 andis cantilevered from the upper frame portion 11. The rails 14 preferablyextend partially up the lengths of the upright members 12 in order tolimit the upper extent with which the work space platform can be raise.However, it is contemplated that the rails 14 can extend fully upwardalong the upright members 12. The upper surface 32 thereof provides aclean work area for supporting a personal computer and its peripheralsthereon. The surface 32 may also be sufficiently large enough toaccommodate a writing space and support work materials thereon for thestanding or seated user.

The work space platform 31 is supported below its upper surface 32 byway of a platform frame 33. This frame 33 supports the rail tonguemembers that connect to the upstanding rails 14 and support the weightof the upper surface 32, along with any articles placed thereon. Theframe 33 comprises a substantially rectangular structure that is adaptedto fit within the interior of the L-shaped frame lower portion 21 whenthe platform 31 is in its lowest position. In this way, the platformframe 33 and frame lower portion 21 share a common geometry and overlapone another to allow the platform upper surface 32 to descend as far aspossible towards the underlying support surface while providing stablesupport therefor.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the internal spring mechanism 61 and thelocking means 41 are illustrated. The internal spring mechanism 61comprises an elongated spring that extends within and along each sidemember 22 of the frame upper portion 11 and connects to the work spaceplatform 31 from within the member 22. The spring biases the platform 31away from the underlying work surface and the frame lower portion 21,which facilitates lifting of the platform 31 and lifting of any contentsthereon without straining. This is critical for those users withexisting back injuries, wherein lifting and re-positioning of theplatform 31 is facilitated with ease.

The spring 61 preferably connects within the side members 22 towards theupper extent thereof to provide an upward force to assist the user whenelevating the platform 31 along the rails 14. The spring rate of thesprings 61 are designed to offset the weight of the platform 31 and someanticipated load thereon; however the spring rate is not such that theplatform 31 will move rapidly on its own without user input, but ratheran assistive device that reduces the weight of the platform when liftingthe same. This prevents injuries to the user who mishandles theplatform, wherein the platform 31 is not overly biased to accelerate theplatform 31 on its own.

To lock the platform 31 into place along the rails 14 and to lock thespring 61 in a static position, a pair of locking means 41 are disposedunder the platform 31 and adjacent to the rails 14. The locking means 41are preferably cam locks having a lever that clamps the platform tongue(not shown) and the base 34 of the platform against the rails 14 andagainst the frame upper portion 11. The cam locks prevent the platform31 from moving vertically along the rails 14 and allow the user to placeobjects thereon within fear of the platform shifting or lowering underthe weight. When repositioning is desired, the locks 41 disengaged andthe spring 61 assists the user lifting the platform 31. When loweringthe platform 31, the user can place pressure on the upper surface 32 ofthe platform 31 to compress the spring 61, whereafter the cam locks 41can be re-engaged to lock the platform in a lowered position.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of the cam lock 41 of thepresent invention, which is situated below the platform surface 32 andwithin the platform frame 33. The cam lock 41 includes a pull handle 42that controls an armature within the platform frame 33. As shown in thecross section of FIG. 4, the armature 18 connects to the tongue 19 ofthe platform, which is positioned within the rail 14 of the frameupright members 12. The tongue 19 is drawn against the rail 14 surfaceby the armature 18, which is controllably positioned by the cam lock.When in a locked position, the tongue 19 bears against the railinterior. The bearing of the tongue 19 within the frame is a frictionalbrake that prevents the tongue 19 from sliding within the rail 14 andsandwiches the upright member 12 between the tongue 19 and the base 34of the platform. This prevents sliding motion (vertical motion) of theplatform when the cam lock is engaged and in a locked position. When inan open position, cam lock releases the tongue 19 to slide within theinterior of the rail 14.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an alternate embodiment of therail 14. This embodiment, rather than locking the platform by way of acam locking mechanism and frictional brake, allows the tongue to freelyslide within the rail 14 and is locked into position using a spring pin51 locking means. The spring pin 51 comprises a spring-loaded pin thatengages a pin hole 52 along the rail length. A plurality of pin holes 52are disposed therealong to allow the user to precisely locate theplatform along the rail 14, wherein the pitch of the pin holes 52 cansufficiently small to allow for many predefined lockable platformpositions with respect to the lower frame portion.

An alternative embodiment of the rail and tongue connection is a slidingjoint attachment that includes roller bearings or rollers commonlydeployed in drawered furniture items (drawer sliders). Use of rollerbearings facilitates sliding motion of the platform along the frameupper portion and eliminates any binding. Overall, the connectionbetween the work space platform and the frame upper portion is that of atranslational joint, wherein the platform is free to be verticallypositioned and movable in a single degree of freedom (translationallyupwards or downwards).

The present assembly is adapted to provide a ready means of elevating awork station above an existing work area, thereby enabling the user toposition his or her computer and work surface in the most ergonomicposition possible relative to his or her proportions. The device isideal for elevating a desk that cannot otherwise articulate, forproviding a means (even temporary means) of permitting standing work bythe user, and further for providing a means of changing the work area ondemand with minimal exertion from the user. This enables those with workplace injuries, chronic pain, or those starting to have issues with anotherwise non-ergonomic work area to correct their environment for amore healthy work station.

It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and describedin what is considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be madewithin the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications willoccur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the abovedescription then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations insize, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assemblyand use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in theart, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. An adjustable work surface, comprising: a substantiallyL-shaped frame comprising a frame upper portion and a frame lowerportion; said frame lower portion comprising a substantially rectangularframe; said frame upper portion comprising a substantially invertedU-shaped frame having a first and second upright member and an upper,horizontal member; a first and second rail along said upright members; awork space platform cantilevered from said frame upper portion andslidable along said first and second rail in a vertical direction; atleast one locking means adapted to secure said work space platform in astatic position therealong along said first and second rail; at leastone spring disposed within said frame upper portion and connected tosaid work space platform for assisting upward motion.
 2. The adjustablework surface of claim 1, wherein: said work space platform connects tosaid first and second rail by way of a protruding tongue.
 3. Theadjustable work surface of claim 1, wherein: said work space platformconnects to said first and second rail by way of roller bearings.
 4. Theadjustable work surface of claim 1, wherein: said work space platformconnects to said first and second rail by way of drawer sliders.
 5. Theadjustable work surface of claim 1, wherein: said at least one lockingmeans comprises a cam lock connected to an armature that is adapted tofrictionally lock said platform against said first and second rail. 6.The adjustable work surface of claim 1, wherein: said at least onelocking means comprises a spring pin locking means comprising at leastone spring pin and a plurality of spring pin holes disposed along saidfirst and second rail.
 7. The adjustable work surface of claim 1,wherein: said work space platform further comprises an upper surfacesupported by a platform frame; said frame lower portion comprises anopen interior; said platform frame comprising a largely rectangularframe adapted to fit within said open interior of said frame lowerportion.
 8. The adjustable work surface of claim 1, wherein: saidsprings is connected internally within said first and second uprightmember; said springs having a first and second end; each spring firstend being supported from an upper extent of said upright member; eachspring second end being connected to said platform.
 9. The adjustablework surface of claim 1, wherein: said first and second rail extend onlypartially along the length of said upright members.